Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $51.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Amherst, MA runs $51.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,687 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Amherst, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly pay of $51.83, which surpasses the national median of $48.21. This attractive hourly rate supports various work configurations, appealing particularly to part-time and per-diem practitioners in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers. For individuals working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, offering flexibility in balancing work and personal life. The hourly pay range for MRI technologists in Amherst spans from $36.90 at entry-level positions to around $65.72 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the growing demand for MRI expertise, particularly in specialized fields such as cardiac and breast imaging.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.90 | $295.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.21 | $369.71 |
| Median (P50) | $51.83 | $414.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.16 | $449.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.72 | $525.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $51.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.83/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $107,811 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,199. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,073.29 | $8,984 | $107,811 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,243.98 | $5,391 | $64,687 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $829.32 | $3,594 | $43,124 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Amherst) | $51.83 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Amherst, MA earn a median of $107,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,798.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.83/hr = $64,687/year (purchasing power: $59,619).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,811/year (purchasing power: $99,365).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Amherst grew 30.1% from $37.94/hr (2019) to $49.35/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Amherst
For those considering part-time positions, a 24-hour work week translates to an annual income significantly less than a full-time technologist, yet still viable given the high hourly rate. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Amherst typically ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with higher rates for specialized fields like cardiac MRI, which can command $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI tech positions also offer lucrative options, with contracts averaging between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly. Hourly pay can differ based on employer type; for instance, hospital imaging departments may provide comprehensive benefits at a lower hourly rate compared to outpatient centers that offer higher hourly compensation but fewer perks. When negotiating pay, technologists should emphasize their specialization and proficiency in emerging MRI techniques, aligning their expertise with the needs of prospective employers in Amherst.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Amherst?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst?
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov